Elizabeth Bird

Nov 16, 2024 | europe.stripes.com | Elizabeth Bird

Golden wedding rings (hdesert (123RF)) Some military branches like the Army and Navy have chaplain programs that receive yearly or quarterly funding to host weekend getaway marriage retreats. I have attended marriage retreats stateside and in Germany. These marriage retreats have a lot information about productive communication, priorities and general relationship health. And nothing beats attending a marriage retreat with a romantic European backdrop.

Nov 2, 2024 | europe.stripes.com | Elizabeth Bird |Tamala Malerk

Diverse group of college students sitting on the stairs. (vadymvdrobot (123RF)) One of the best parts about being stationed in Europe is the access to higher education! So many in-person classes on military bases are offered all over Europe, especially in Germany. The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) does extensive outreach to military members stationed in Europe.

Nov 1, 2024 | europe.stripes.com | Elizabeth Bird |Tamala Malerk

Beautiful landscape of the Acropolis (valedol (123RF)) When I planned my trip to Greece, I wanted it to be authentic. Making a trip to the homeland of Socrates was my lifelong dream. When stationed in Germany at my first duty station, I was scared to go to Greece; I wanted to travel around Europe and get some experience before I checked that mark at the top of my bucket list.

Oct 17, 2024 | europe.stripes.com | Elizabeth Bird

Painted Alsacian house () Traveling Europe with my 5-year-old daughter has been amazing so far. She’s up to date on her fairytales and can recognize a magical medieval village when she sees one. That’s why I planned a trip to the Alsace province of France (only two-and-a-half hours away from Kaiserslautern, a short drive my daughter can handle well).

Sep 30, 2024 | europe.stripes.com | Elizabeth Bird |Kat Nickola

Thrift store finds (Elizabeth Bird) At this point, thrifting is a part of military culture. Military families borrow furniture and kitchen supplies every time they move. Many will purge most of their belongings during a PCS, pocket some money to move themselves to their next duty location, and then scour Facebook Marketplace to refurbish their homes. What a lovely advantage thrifting is, too.